THE SAMPSON INDEPENDENT
Local Airport Contributes Millions to Economy
January 10, 2019

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According to a recent report from the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, the local airport contributed more than $4.5 million to the state’s economy.

It was also reported by officials that local Clinton-Sampson County Airport (CTZ) provided 25 jobs; personal income at $1.3 million; and $165,000 in state and local taxes. More than 20 aircrafts, from small single engine planes to corporate jets are based at the Clinton-Sampson Airport. It also supports crop dusting, specialized deliveries, professionals and executives who travel to the area.

In all, the state’s publicly owned airports contributed more than $52 billion to the economy, according to a report titled North Carolina: The State of Aviation.

Data from the report was analyzed for the state’ transportation department by the North Carolina State University’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education.

In North Carolina, more than 300,000 jobs were also contributed to airports. Airports and aviation-related jobs also provide $12.6 billion in personal income and contribute $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenues every year.

In September, it was announced that the North Carolina Board of Transportation recently approved state and federal funding for 27 airports throughout the state. CTZ is one of the facilities to receiving a share of the $24.7 million. Plans called for $526,000 to rehabilitate pavement at the aircraft apron in the Fixed Base Operation area at the airport, which is jointly operated by the county and city.

At the time, NCDOT officials stated that funds awarded do not represent the total cost of a project, in all cases. CTZ and local officials are working with WK Dickson, a consulting firm, to proceed into the design and bidding stages of the project. Construction is expected to start this year.